Pest expert issues 'aggresive' wasp warning for September

Pest control experts say that wasps become more aggressive at this time of year because their food supply begins to run out and their colonies reach peak size.

John Whiteley-Wilkson, managing director at Acorn Environment Services, said: "September is consistently one of our busiest months for wasp call-outs because colonies are at their largest and worker wasps are actively searching for food outside the nest.

"People often think wasps suddenly become aggressive for no reason, but it's a natural part of their life cycle.

"As their usual food source disappears, they're forced to search elsewhere, which brings them into much closer contact with people."

Earlier in the summer, worker wasps feed larvae inside the nest and receive a sugary substance in return.

By September, the queen stops laying eggs and the number of larvae drops, leaving thousands of worker wasps searching for sugar elsewhere.

This leads to more wasps around bins, soft drinks, outdoor dining areas, and fallen fruit—resulting in more interactions with people.

Mr Whiteley-Wilkson advised homeowners not to attempt to remove nests themselves, warning that DIY efforts often make the problem worse.

He said: "The biggest mistake we see is people trying to block the entrance to a nest or treating it with a household aerosol spray.

"If wasps can't use their normal exit, they'll simply look for another route, which could mean finding their way into lofts, wall cavities or even inside the property.

"Disturbing an active nest can also cause the colony to become defensive, increasing the risk of multiple stings."

Acorn Environment Services recommends avoiding several common mistakes if a wasp nest is discovered, including blocking or sealing the entrance, using household insect sprays on large nests, disturbing nests with garden tools or equipment, and trying to remove the nest without professional help.

Mr Whiteley-Wilkson said: "Even activities like cutting hedges, strimming or using a pressure washer can create vibrations that disturb an active colony.

"We've attended plenty of jobs where someone didn't realise there was a nest nearby until the wasps reacted."

Not all nests require immediate removal, and the location should be considered before taking action.

Mr Whiteley-Wilkson said: "If a nest is tucked away in a part of the garden that people rarely use, it may be possible to leave it alone until the colony naturally dies off later in the autumn.

"However, if it's close to a doorway, patio, children's play area or anywhere people regularly pass, it's worth having it professionally assessed rather than taking unnecessary risks."

With warm weather expected to continue into September, high wasp activity is likely to persist for several more weeks.